No IELTS Scholarships for International Students in 2025: Fully Funded Opportunities with No English Test Required

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about IELTS requirements? You’re not alone. Thousands of talented students worldwide are seeking opportunities to study in top universities without the burden of standardized English tests. The good news? Several scholarships in 2025 offer fully funded admission to international students without requiring IELTS or TOEFL.

In this article, we’ll explore the best No IELTS scholarships for international students, their eligibility criteria, application processes, deadlines, and key takeaways to increase your chances of winning.

Key Takeaways

Feature	Details
Who Can Apply?	International students from all countries
IELTS Requirement	Not required; alternatives accepted
Funding	Fully funded or partially funded
Top Countries	Turkey, China, Russia, Germany, Canada, Australia, Hungary, Korea
Deadline Range	January to October 2025 (varies by program)
Key Documents	Academic transcripts, English proficiency certificate, recommendation letters
Pro Tip	Use a Medium of Instruction Certificate to waive IELTS

Why Scholarships Without IELTS Matter

English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL can be expensive, time-consuming, and nerve-wracking. However, many top universities and governments recognize alternative proof of English proficiency. As a result, they offer scholarships that allow you to apply without IELTS, especially if:

• You studied in English-medium institutions.
• You’re from a country where English is an official language.
• You submit an English proficiency certificate from your previous university.

Let’s explore some of the best opportunities available in 2025.

Top No IELTS Scholarships for International Students in 2025

Turkey Government Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari)

Host Country: Turkey
Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, accommodation, stipend, airfare)
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Open to all nationalities
• Must not hold Turkish citizenship
• Minimum academic performance:
  • 70% for undergraduates
  • 75% for master’s and PhD
  • 90% for health sciences

Deadline: January 10 – February 20, 2025 (Expected)

Key Takeaway: Submit a certificate from your previous school proving that English was your medium of instruction to waive IELTS.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship)

Host Country: China
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance)
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Open to international students
• Must meet age and academic requirements
• Apply to designated Chinese universities

Deadline: January 2025 – March 2025 (varies by university)

Key Takeaway: Many Chinese universities accept English proficiency letters from your previous university instead of IELTS.

Russian Government Scholarship (Open Doors Scholarship)

Host Country: Russia
Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, visa support)
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Open to international students worldwide
• Academic excellence in a relevant field
• Selection based on competition

Deadline: October 2025 (Expected)

Key Takeaway: Courses are offered in English or Russian, and IELTS is not mandatory if you provide proof of English-medium education.

DAAD Scholarships in Germany (No IELTS Required for Many Courses)

Host Country: Germany
Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (monthly stipend, travel allowance, tuition)
IELTS Required?: Not always

Eligibility:

• Varies by course and university
• Generally requires academic excellence and relevant work experience
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Deadline: Varying deadlines by program (mostly between August and October 2025)

Key Takeaway: Many German universities accept an English Proficiency Letter from your university if your previous education was in English.

University of Saskatchewan Scholarships (Canada)

Host Country: Canada
Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Funding: Partially to fully funded
IELTS Required?: No (alternatives accepted)

Eligibility:

• International students with strong academic records
• Must meet course-specific requirements

Deadline:

• Undergraduate: December 1, 2025 (Winter Intake)
• Graduate: Varies by department

Key Takeaway: You can apply without IELTS if you studied in English previously or meet their alternative criteria.

University of Adelaide Scholarships (Australia)

Host Country: Australia
Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded
IELTS Required?: No (alternative options available)

Eligibility:

• Strong academic performance
• Research-based programs
• English proficiency via past education or other approved methods

Deadline:

• Round 1: February 15, 2025
• Round 2: July 30, 2025

Key Takeaway: Provide evidence that your prior degree was in English to waive the IELTS requirement.

Hungarian Government Scholarships (Stipendium Hungaricum)

Host Country: Hungary
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, accommodation, health insurance, stipend)
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Students from partner countries
• Excellent academic record

Deadline: January 15, 2025 (Expected)

Key Takeaway: Many programs allow students to submit an English Language Proficiency Certificate instead of IELTS.

Korea Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Host Country: South Korea
Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (airfare, tuition, living expenses, language training)
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Open to all nationalities
• Strong academic and leadership background

Deadline:

• Undergraduate: September 2025
• Graduate: February 2025

Key Takeaway: IELTS is not mandatory. Korean universities often accept other forms of English proficiency.

University of Milan Excellence Scholarships (Italy)

Host Country: Italy
Degree Levels: Master’s
Funding: Tuition waiver + stipend
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Open to non-EU students
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate English proficiency by alternative methods

Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Expected)

Key Takeaway: Most Master’s programs are taught in English and do not require IELTS.

Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship

Host Country: Brunei
Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Funding: Fully funded
IELTS Required?: No

Eligibility:

• Open to international applicants
• Good academic standing

Deadline: February 2025 (Expected)

Key Takeaway: Courses are offered in English, and IELTS is not mandatory for most applicants.

Common Alternatives to IELTS Accepted by Universities

If you don’t have IELTS, here are commonly accepted alternatives:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: A letter from your previous university confirming your education was in English.
• English Proficiency Letter: Similar to MOI, often accepted by European and Asian institutions.
• Other Tests: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, or university-specific exams.
• Country Exemptions: Students from countries where English is the official language are usually exempted.

Tips for Applying to No IELTS Scholarships

Prepare Early: Check the scholarship deadlines and requirements ahead of time.

Get Your English Certificate: Request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution.

Write a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your academic achievements and passion for your chosen field.

Use Official Platforms: Always apply via official university or government websites to avoid scams.

Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances by applying to more than one scholarship.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is no longer limited to those who can afford expensive language tests. With these No IELTS scholarships in 2025, you can pursue your academic dreams in top global institutions—even without IELTS or TOEFL.

Take your first step today by researching deadlines, preparing your documents, and applying to the scholarships that fit you best.